The Toronto Blue Jays could be closing in on a few bullpen arms according to reports
PUBLICATION
Bobby Ohr
December 19, 2024 (11:43)
Photo credit: Yes Network
The Toronto Blue Jays are in need of multiple relief pitchers this off-season and there seems to be some interest in free agents Paul Sewald, Jose Leclerc and Tommy Kahlne.
Blue Jays could be interested in a few relief pitcher in free agency
One solid relief pitcher and likely the most underrated one in free agency is Paul Sewald who is coming off a down year with the Arizona Diamondbacks as he posted a 4.31 ERA but has proved in the past that he can be a top tier reliever.
Must read on Blue Jays Insider
Sewald remains a free agent this winter. In 2024, he was the closer for the Arizona Diamondbacks to start the year but he struggled towards the end of the season and got bumped from the role before ending the campaign on the IL. Sewald sat on the lower end of the league's closer performance scale, only based on how the team played. -Prasad
Another solid option would be former Texas Rangers relief pitcher Jose Leclerc who had a 4.32 ERA in 666.2 innings last season to go along with a 6-5 record on the season.
Right-hander José Leclerc is a reliable and dominant arm who is now a free agent and looking for a home for 2025. Leclerc has eight years in the major leagues, all with the Rangers. He averaged just under 45 innings per season and in 2024, he pitched 66 and 2/3 innings - a shade under his career-high mark set back in 2019. In relief last season, Leclerc finished with a 6-5 record, 13 games finished through 64 outings. -Prasad
Finally there is former New York Yankees relief pitcher Tommy Kahlne who had a great season in 2024 despite missing some time due to an injury, Kahlne posted a 2.11 ERA in 42.2 innings pitched.
The former Yankee reliever was a key part of their bullpen this year. He found success in the Bronx in short relief, working effective innings in competitive scenarios. Kahnle threw 42 and 2/3 innings this season through 50 appearances, finishing with a 2.11 ERA. -Prasad
While the fanbase is hoping for the Blue Jays to sign a top closer like Tanner Scott this off-season, they still need to fill the rest of their bullpen and any of these pitchers would be a great addition.
Previously on Blue Jays Insider
POLL |
19 DECEMBRE | 1884 ANSWERS The Toronto Blue Jays could be closing in on a few bullpen arms according to reports Should the Blue Jays sign Tommy Kahlne? |
Yes | 1013 | 53.8 % |
No | 871 | 46.2 % |
List of polls |
|
38 minutes ago | By Bobby Ohr Former Toronto Blue Jays player plans to pitch for one more season at 41 years old |
|
59 minutes ago | By Bobby Ohr The Toronto Blue Jays Anthony Santander speaks to the media for the first time making interesting comments |
|
1 hour ago | By Bobby Ohr Massive update announced between free agent Max Scherzer and the Toronto Blue Jays |
|
1 hour ago | By Bobby Ohr The Toronto Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins makes interesting comments regarding plans for the rest of the off-season |
|
5 hours ago | By Bobby Ohr The Toronto Blue Jays make some changes regarding Daulton Varsho and Anthony Santander |
|
5 hours ago | By Ryan Hall Toronto Blue Jays closing in on former San Diego Padres outfielder |
|
20 hours ago | By Bobby Ohr The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed former Toronto Blue Jays Close |
|
23 hours ago | By Bobby Ohr Former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher signs with the Chicago Cubs |